If you're looking for the perfect classic Espresso Martini Recipe, you've found it! This espresso martini recipe is simple, has just the right amount of sweetness and is easily customizable.

If I'm being honest, I have no qualifications to make this recipe (other than being an official taste tester) BUT I enlisted the help of my sister, who was a professional bar tender for over a decade. She's perfected the espresso martini and this is her go-to recipe!

As an amazon associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. This comes at no cost to you.

What's in an espresso martini recipe

A classic espresso martini recipe contains: vodka, kahlua, espresso, and optional simple syrup. I also like to pick up some coffee beans for garnish on the top.

How to make an espresso martini:

The first step is making sure you have good espresso. I like to use a moka pot to make mine and I also use cafe bustelo but you just need a good strong espresso. If you don't have espresso or don't feel like making it, you can also use cold brew concentrate but you may not get as much foam on your martini.

To use the moka pot, you just fill the bottom portion with water just below the valve. Then you place the coffee insert in and fill it to the top with ground espresso (not instant). Seal everything up tight, place it on the stove and the coffee will brew up into the top portion.

When you're ready to assemble the espresso martini, place your martini glasses in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes. Then add the vodka, kahlua, espresso, simple syrup, and about a cup of ice to your cocktail shaker. Be sure to seal the shaker tightly and shake it for about 15-20 seconds.

What makes the foam in an espresso martini?

The foam on an espresso martini isn't actually an ingredient. It's just the product of a good shake and fresh espresso. By shaking the ingredients along with the ice, you're adding air to the martini and creating a nice foam on top. You just want to make sure you serve the espresso martini immediately so the foam doesn't dissipate. Once shaken, pour the martini into your chilled glasses and garnish with espresso beans.

Other Recipes You'll Love:

Espresso Martini Recipe

Coco and Ash

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5

Servings espresso martini

Equipment

Cocktail shaker
Martini glasses
jigger or kitchen scale scale

Ingredients

2 ounces vodka
1 ounce Kahlua (or other coffee liqueur)
1 ounce freshly brewed espresso (or cold brew concentrate)
¼ ounce simple syrup (optional for sweetness)
ice

Instructions

To begin, brew your espresso (unless using cold brew concentrate).
See Notes for how to brew
Place your serving glasses in the freezer to chill while you make the martinis or at least 5 minutes.
Add all of the ingredients to the cocktail shaker. (Vodka, kahlua, espresso, and simple syrup and about 1 cup of ice)
See notes for how to make your own simple syrup
Seal the shaker tightly and shake for about 15-20 seconds until very well chilled.
Strain into your chilled espresso martini glasses then garnish with coffee beans.

Notes

To brew espresso in a moka pot:

Add water to the bottom portion of the moka pot just up to the bottom of the valve. Add the coffee basket over the water and fill to the top with coffee grounds. Do not pack them tightly down but just press slightly to flatten grounds.

Screw the top of the moka pot on very tightly.

Place on the stove and heat over high heat. You will hear it bubbling up then it will slow and get quieter when finished.

Allow it to cool then pour any left over coffee into an airtight container and store in the fridge for no more than 5 days.

To make simple syrup:

add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar to a saucepan. heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved then allow to cool.

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment!